The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intensify its efforts towards the preservation and promotion of Igbo language, culture and heritage.
Azinge made the call at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, where he commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata and the Global Executive Council (GEC) for their efforts in preserving and promoting Igbo language, culture and heritage.
The Asagba urged Ohanaeze to sustain and deepen such initiatives, stressing the importance of protecting the Igbo language, cultural identity and heritage for future generations,a statement by Dr Ezechi Chukwu, Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Worldwide noted.
He also condemned in strong terms the emergence of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing conflicting public statements in the name of Ndigbo, rather than keying into the leadership and programmes of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he described as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Azinge recalled his own long-standing involvement in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including his service on various global committees before he became the Asagba of Asaba. He said his experience with the organisation had reinforced the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The Asagba also commended Senator Mbata on a special note for his initiatives and efforts towards repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo and promoting the interests, unity and cultural heritage of Ndigbo.
Earlier, the Ohanaeze national leadership, in conjunction with the Delta State Executive and other chieftains, had paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba. The Global Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, who represented the President General conveyed the goodwill of Senator Mbata to the traditional ruler during the visit.
Asagba later joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he made his remarks and responded to issues arising from the forum.
The forum featured a keynote address by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
The event, organised by the Delta State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was themed “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”
Sibeudu provided an overview of the history, mandate, evolving role and activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, while highlighting initiatives of the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council to strengthen Igbo unity, preserve the Igbo language and culture, promote education and advance the welfare and aspirations of Ndigbo.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, scholarship initiatives and bursaries approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Senator Azuta Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the event by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu. In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Mbata charged the Delta State Chapter and Ndigbo in general to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order. He stressed the importance of respecting the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while encouraging dialogue, unity and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.
Responding to the keynote, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder of the organisation in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the state chapter’s invitation. He commended Senator Mbata for his initiatives aimed at repositioning Ohanaeze Ndigbo to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo.
The State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also corroborated the remarks and expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum was attended by Ohanaeze leaders from different states, including the Rivers State President, Livingstone Wechie; the Enugu State President, High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi; and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State and Acting Global Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Prominent sons and daughters of Igbo land from Delta State in attendance included Chief Prof. Leroy Edoziem; Obi (Hon.) Chimeta Okonta; Ogbueshi Paschal Onuku; Hon. Chief Engr. Emma Eboh, who represented Senator Ned Nwoko; Chief Mrs. Lizzy Chiazor; Chief Amb. Chief Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr. Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu, among others.
The forum reinforced the importance of preserving Igbo language and culture, strengthening unity among Ndigbo, respecting constitutional processes and promoting cooperation between Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its chapters, affiliate groups, the wider Igbo community and our country Nigeria.
